Barrett-Jackson Auction Company announced today that its highly anticipated 5000 series, which featured more than 50 unique and rare automobiles, including the company’s famed Salon Collection, generated more than $29.2 million at the company’s iconic Scottsdale auction on January 19, 2013. Preliminary overall sales results, including the 5000 series, are reported at $109m (a 17% increase over last year’s event), with 1,343 cars sold and over 310,000 in attendance, a 15% increase). The top seller within the group was the original 1966 TV Batmobile (LOT #5037), which dazzled both collectors and fans as it crossed the stage, selling for $4.62m. The original […]
Barrett-Jackson Auction Company announced today that its highly anticipated 5000 series, which featured more than 50 unique and rare automobiles, including the company’s famed Salon Collection, generated more than $29.2 million at the company’s iconic Scottsdale auction on January 19, 2013.
Preliminary overall sales results, including the 5000 series, are reported at $109m (a 17% increase over last year’s event), with 1,343 cars sold and over 310,000 in attendance, a 15% increase).
The top seller within the group was the original 1966 TV Batmobile (LOT #5037), which dazzled both collectors and fans as it crossed the stage, selling for $4.62m.
The original Batmobile started its life as the one and only 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car, which was heavily modified by Barris to become the original 1966 Batmobile in the live action TV series Batman, as well as the movie adaptation, starring Adam West. The auction tent was brimming with excitement as fans watched the price for the Batmobile skyrocket to historic proportions on the Barrett-Jackson auction block. Legendary customizer and creator George Barris looked on with pride from the auctioneer’s stand, even adding his signature jacket to the sale, as the crowd cheered the auctioneer on.
Fans also witnessed two new world records, which were set by the 1947 Talbot-Lago T-26 Grand Sport (LOT #5019) and the 1956 Chrysler Diablo Concept Convertible (LOT #5034). Selling for $2,035,000, the Talbot-Lago became the world’s most expensive T-26, while the Diablo set an impressive new sales record for a Chrysler Concept car with a final price of $1,375,000. It was clear from the cheers of the crowd and the final sales price, that both cars showed strong results, signifying a rise in the collector car market and Barrett-Jackson’s stronghold within the industry. In fact, reports in 2012 showed a 33 percent increase in the value of collector cars, which was proven once more by the company’s fans in Scottsdale.
The top selling cars in the 5000 Series/Salon Collection included the following:
· LOT #5037 The Original 1966 TV Batmobile – $4,620,000
· LOT #5001 Clark Gable’s 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe – $2,035,000
· LOT #5019 1947 Talbot-Lago T-26 Grand Sport – $2,035,000
· LOT #5004 1934 Duesenberg J Murphy LWB Custom Beverly Sedan – $1,430,000
· LOT #5034 1956 Chrysler Diablo Concept Convertible – $1,375,000
· LOT #5025 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible – $1,320,000
These hand-selected vehicles were sold on reserve and showcased the very best in automotive pedigree, design and style.
“The 2013 5000 Series and Salon Collection featured some of the best collector vehicles in the world today, and we were honored to have them cross the Barrett-Jackson stage,” said Craig Jackson, Barrett-Jackson’s Chairman and CEO. “Watching those unique cars cross the auction block was an incredible experience, and I’m glad I was able to share it with our bidders, consignors and fans.”
In addition to the evening’s top-sellers, a packed audience watched as other iconic cars, such as the 1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A SS Castagna Roadster (LOT #5007), 1949 Delahaye Type 175 Saoutchik Coupe de Ville (LOT #5016) and the 1968 Chevrolet Corvette L-88 Owens/Corning Racecar (LOT #5041) crossed the auction block, garnering millions in sales.
“The vehicles that sold at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale this year were among some of the most exquisite cars I’ve ever seen and the experience is something I’ll remember for years to come,” said Steve Davis, President of Barrett-Jackson. “We have some of the best fans in the industry and I can’t wait to see how we top it in 2014.”
Barrett-Jackson is currently accepting consignment requests for the 2013 Palm Beach auction, taking place on April 4-6, 2013, at the South Florida Fairgrounds. For additional information on the event, visit http://www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
